About Bodega Roots Therapy
Bodega Roots Therapy was established in 2019 with a goal to destigmatize mental health in NYC communities of color. We strive to provide culturally sensitive, trauma informed approaches to help first generation therapy seekers work through intergenerational trauma to #breakthecycle. Silence is not strength despite what your family has taught you to believe. True strength is in healing.
Bodega Roots Therapy’s name originated from the idea that our bodegas are the hearts of our community- and this is what we cultivate through our practice-building relationships with and for our community. Representation is important- and all of therapists identify as POC.
Specializations
Trauma & PTSD • Adult/Childhood Sexual Abuse • Domestic Violence • Anxiety • Depression • General Mental Health • Relationships • Parenting • Couples Therapy
Who We Are
Carmen Fajardo, LCSW
She / her / hers
Carmen Fajardo is a New York State-licensed clinical social worker who specializes in developmental trauma in relation to interpersonal and gender-based violence. She is the founder of a Bodega Roots Therapy, PLLC, which developed to help bridge the gap in BIPOC communities to destigmatize mental health. She utilizes an anti-oppressive and client-centered lens to provide culturally sensitive approaches to create and maintain a calming and safe environment. Carmen is also currently the Enough Is Enough coordinator at the Domestic and Other Violence Emergencies(DOVE) Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, where she provides New York City colleges and universities with comprehensive, prevention-focused training and education for students, faculty, and staff on topics including bystander intervention, trauma-informed care, and domestic and sexual violence awareness. She also provides crisis intervention and trauma-focused psychotherapy to survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence and serves on the Washington Heights and Inwood Coalition Against Interpersonal and Domestic Violence. Carmen received her bachelors in Social Work from Long Island University and her MSW from the Columbia School of Social Work. She is also an adjunct professor at Columbia University & Manhattan College. Carmen is also a mother & identifies as Honduran-American and utilizes she/her/hers pro-nouns. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her partner,daughter, and Luna, their Shiba Inu. She also enjoys reading, hiking, and the beach and has a guilty pleasure of binge-watching reality TV.
Renita Pagan, LMSW
She / her / hers
Renita Pagan is a woman of Puerto Rican and African American descent. She is a Licensed Social Worker who holds a Master's degree from Hunter College's Silberman School of Social Work. Renita is dedicated to serving marginalized communities and de-stigmatizing mental illness in Black and Brown, and Latinx communities. She has a history of helping others battling trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, childhood trauma, daily stressors, interpersonal relationships, and many more challenges. Renita is committed to providing a safe space for individuals to be able to process disappointments, past traumas, obstacles, and life changes. She strives to support individuals throughout their healing journey by challenging negative thoughts, strengthening coping skills, and unlearning behaviors while building healthy relationships with themselves and others. Renita's focus is on changing the life outcomes of these individuals by exploring cognitive behavior treatment, motivational interviewing, mindfulness techniques, and solution-focused and trauma-informed therapy.
Allison Baidoo, LMHC
She / her / hers
Allison Baidoo is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, who recieved her Master's Degree from Hunter College, a Master of Science in Child Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Penn State University. Her approach is to meet you where you are, in a genuine and empathetic way. She provides a neutral, non-judgmental, yet challenging environment to explore and find positive coping strategies. I believe positive coping strategies empower us to live better lives and handle change effectively! I have worked with adults, adolescents and children, with individuals and with groups. I’ve supported people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds and from diverse communities. I am particularly interested in working with women of color, young adults, and children. Among the concerns I have helped clients address are anxiety, depression, substance use, stress, improving relationships, grief, and adjusting to everyday life.
Nicole Evans, LMHC
She / her / hers
Nicole is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who holds a master's degree from Antioch University New England. With a comprehensive background working in settings such as inpatient mental health hospitals, outpatient substance abuse treatment centers, and private practice, Nicole demonstrates proficiency in assisting individuals and families. She specializes in therapeutic interventions that include mindfulness techniques , CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, relationship-based interventions, and solution focused therapy working with adolescents and adults. Her clinical area of expertise includes anxiety, depression, grief, substance use and trauma. Nicole identifies as a Jamaican American who is committed to supporting and advocating for individuals from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. She provides a trustworthy therapeutic connection through empathetic listening, non-judgmental approach for individual to process difficult or traumatic experiences. Nicole is deeply committed to raising awareness, fostering positivity, and educating her community about mental health.
Grace Polanco, LMHC
Grace is a Latina Licensed Mental Health Counselor and received her Master's from Long Island University. She has worked with marginalized groups throughout her career and is dedicated to working with diverse and culturally ethnic individuals as they navigate emotional/mental wellness. She specialize’s in working with POC individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, emotion/mood dysregulation, low self-esteem, relationship issues, family difficulties, life transitions, eating disorders, and addictions. As a culturally sensitive trauma informed clinicians, I have particular interest in assisting those with navigating intergenerational trauma as well as cultural adaptation among first/second/third generation immigrants.
Adenike Lawal (Nikki), LCSW
Adenike Lawal, (“Nikki”) is a NYS licensed clinical social worker who specializes in evidence-based practices that address trauma, anxiety, relationship issues and life transitions. She is trained in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness Techniques and Strengths-Based Approach. She has worked in a variety of settings including private practice, inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs. She obtained her master’s degree in social work with a clinical focus at Fordham University. She is a compassionate and dedicated Social Worker who specializes in adult populations.
Janus Chen, LCSW
Janus is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree from Columbia University School of Social Work. With a deep commitment to advocating for marginalized communities and people of color, Janus brings extensive experience in trauma, crisis intervention, healthcare, bereavement, and relationship counseling. She is passionate about helping clients explore and understand their inner worlds and external environments, guiding them toward greater self-awareness and resilience as they navigate life’s challenges.